When used correctly, Instagram can become a great educational asset rather than an unhelpful distraction. If you use Instagram a lot, why not make the most of it? Especially if you're a student.

To get more out of Instagram you need to find the right people to follow. Depending on your interests, that may be more difficult than it sounds. There are so many people and organizations on Instagram, it's hard to pick out the good ones from a sea of choices.

To get you started, take a look at these great educational Instagram accounts. These are some of the best pages on Instagram for boosting your world knowledge.

1. NASA Goddard

NASA Goddard

If you love research and space, following the NASA Goddard account is a must. You can explore other worlds from the comfort of your phone. You'll get a lot of pictures of astronauts, shuttle launches, and space shots straight from the Hubble Space Telescope.

2. National Geographic

National Geographic

National Geographic posts about all sorts of topics, including nature, animals, and cultures. This Instagram account can quickly open up your mind to the wider world and make you more appreciative of all the awesome, unique things that exist out there.

3. The Smithsonian

Smithsonian

The Smithsonian is a group of American museums and research centers that focus on culture and human achievements. Its Instagram account is a great peak into the lives of famous figures from the past and a look at the lives of people that you might not normally encounter.

4. NOAA Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries

Do you nerd out specifically over marine life? Do you just enjoy pictures of sea creatures and oceans? Then following the NOAA Fisheries Instagram account is a must. You don't just get interesting pictures, but also detailed aquatic facts with every picture.

5. The American Museum of Natural History

Am Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is based in New York City and its Instagram account shares the wonders of the natural world that brings history to life. It includes amazing photos of beautiful plants and creatures past and present, including dinosaurs and fossils.

6. Daily English Vocabulary Words

Daily English Vocabulary Words

There are over half a million English words. You're never going to learn them all, but you can try with the Daily English Vocabulary Words Instagram account. Every day the account defines an unusual word and posts a quiz; try using one of the words you learn in your next assignment.

7. The British Library

British Library

The British Library is the largest library in the world, based on how many items it has cataloged. Its Instagram page gives you an insight into its historical documents and a peak into its latest exhibits; perfect for any history buff.

Saatchi Gallery

The Saatchi Gallery is based in London, but its Instagram page allows it to share its unique art exhibits to the world. You're bound to see something thought-provoking here and it's an excellent resource for inspiring artistic students.

9. Health and Nutrition Facts

Health and Nutrition Facts

It can be difficult to eat well when you're a student. That's why the Health and Nutrition Facts Instagram is invaluable. Not only does it offer up tasty and simple recipes, but it also offers tips on how to stay healthy and avoid junk food.

Interested in improving your diet? Be sure to use one of these food diary apps to see how your food affects you.

10. Study With Maggie

Study With Maggie

You will write down a lot of information as a student and it can be difficult to keep those notes organized. That's why Study With Maggie is great to follow because her neat journal notes are bound to inspire you. Or perhaps you'll just admire the practice while you shove another crumpled notepad into your bag...

11. Subway Book Review

Subway Book Review

While your bookshelf is no doubt full of textbooks, don't forget the power of a good story. Reading can help boost your creativity or just give you a break from study. Subway Book Review posts book recommendations from regular folk riding on public transport.

12. Homework Help Global

Homework Help Global

Studying for exams and writing assignments isn't easy. However, there are various tips you can follow to help you improve at them. Homework Help Global is a great resource for that, offering advice on things like how to memorize information easier or how to make your arguments flow better in essays.

13. History in Pictures

History in Pictures

History is endlessly fascinating. The History in Pictures Instagram account brings our past to life, shining a spotlight on both famous and lesser-known moments of history, with each picture accompanied by interesting nuggets of information.

14. Humans of New York

Humans of New York

Humans of New York is a famous Instagram account and isn't technically an educational resource, but it's great to broaden your horizons and improve your empathy. Each day, the account tells the story of a random person out and about in New York City.

If you love Humans of New York, you should check out these other photography projects.

15. Tech by Guf

Tech by Guf

Our planet is constantly evolving and technology plays a big part in that. The world that you enter once you finish school is going to be shaped by technology, so follow Tech by Guf to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations.

16. Pearson Students

Pearson Students

Pearson Students is a dominant textbook publisher in the United States, but its Instagram account is packed full of great advice for students. It offers support on making major decisions, tips for studying, interesting facts, plus the occasional laugh.

17. LinkedIn

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking site. Its Instagram account highlights all sorts of jobs that different people fill around the world. It's a great student resource to get thinking about what career you might want, or to just be inspired by others.

18. Dormify

Dormify

Your surroundings are a vital part to your well-being. Don't let yourself be dragged down by living in a dingy dorm. Instead, follow Dormify so that you can be blasted with great tips on how to spice up your room. Alternatively, use it as a resource if you study something like interior decorating or fashion.

You Can Also Have a Laugh With Instagram

These are some of the best educational Instagram accounts to help you live your best life as a student. And they'll be interesting to other people too.

However, Instagram is about much more than education, so if you also want to keep your Instagram account light, follow these funny Instagram accounts to brighten your day.

Image Credits: Naosuke II/Flickr